Blog - 03-2020 Archive

Through Erie Arts & Culture's newly formed Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, creative and cultural professionals, which includes artists of all disciplines, who have experienced a disruption to their income stream can request up to $500 in assistance from Erie Arts & Culture. The deadline to apply for the second round of Erie Arts & Culture's Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.

The CARES Act Impact on Sector: On Friday, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or “CARES” Act passed legislation. Many in our sector are wondering how it affects them and what relief they can expect. We've highlighted a few of the key points.

We must have legislation in place that acknowledges the financial hardship our sector faces and provides support for those affected. This week, the Senate passed legislation for the COVID-19 response relief package, which includes financial help for our sector. This legislation has moved forward into the House. At this time, it is unknown if the House will make changes to the bill before signing on. 

Our sector’s advocacy has been working thus far, but we have further to go. We must advocate for several crucial items to be included in the COVID-19 Response Relief Package. Since the House's action is critical to the eventual passage of a relief bill, please consider contacting your House leaders. We must encourage them to expedite the passage of legislation that will help members of our sector.

Americans for the Arts has made it easy for you to show your support for our sector during this critical time. You can use their online arts advocacy tool to contact your representatives today. They provide a drafted letter, with an option to revise or add additional personal notes. Please take action now by contacting the elected officials that represent you.

Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, a North East based small business, is supporting the fund by donating $2 of every online or to-go purchase of a bottle of wine or 12-pack of High Key. Purchases can be made online at arundelcellars.com.

Between March 18th, the date the fund was launched, and March 20th, Erie Arts & Culture received 77 applications requesting financial support. As a first round of funding, 45 creative and cultural professionals were awarded financial support from the regional arts agency. Funding amounts ranged from $150 to assist with groceries to $500 to assist with rent, totaling $13,200. 

As the current pandemic continues to affect the creative and cultural sectors across the nation, Erie Arts & Culture is committed to serving as a central source of information during this difficult time. In addition to initiating our Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for creative and cultural professionals in Erie County, we have compiled a list of additional resources that may be helpful to those who operate in our sector. We will continue to add resource links as they develop.

Erie Arts & Culture announces the formation of a new Emergency Financial Assistance Fund available to creative and cultural professionals in Erie County. Through the assistance program, creative and cultural professionals, which includes artists of all disciplines, who have experienced a disruption to their income stream can request up to $500 in assistance from Erie Arts & Culture.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and Erie Arts & Culture are closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) both internationally and within our region. We share your concerns about its effect on the arts community in the commonwealth. 

Interested in becoming a Teaching Artist? Read on to learn more about the process and read about Annie Schmitt's teaching artist experience.